General Information Zambia

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Logan Beasley
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1 General Information Zambia

2 GENERAL INFORMATION Your passports are valid for travel and that you are in possession of valid visas (if required see below). Consult your doctor prior to your safari for information and advice on the use of anti-malaria medication you take out comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against cancellation and curtailment, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and personal belongings. Visas / Departure Taxes A visa is required upon entry to Zambia, the cost of which is $50. UK nationals can acquire a visa at the border which will entitle them for a stay of up to 30 days. Details of your accommodation in Zambia and return date will need to be provided. An onward or return ticket is required, as well as sufficient funds and documents needed for further travel. Please note that visitors to Zambia must have a MINIMUM of two blank/empty VISA pages in their passport each time entry is sought and passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Zambia. Visitors to Zambia with foreign passports who do not comply with these requirements may be refused entry. The visa that you are currently travelling must be in date. Health For your own safety make sure to get immunisation against polio, tetanus, rabies, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Zambia is a yellow fever zone, for entry you will need yellow fever immunisation and the yellow fever certificate as evidence. Zambia is a malaria risk area, so consult your doctor regarding this. The risk is lower during the dry season and on high altitudes, but it is always recommended to take malaria preventions pills. You are likely to need to take anti-malarials for this trip: these need to be started prior to travel, so remember to see your GP for advice a few weeks before you leave. Health and Drinking Water Water is sold very cheaply all over the country. On exceptionally rare occasions it is safe to drink tap water so we strongly recommend water be drunk only when bottled, or previously boiled or frozen. Tipping Tipping is the norm but there is never pressure to do so. It s important to recognise the discrepancy in living costs between Europe and Zambia and not to tip in too high amounts. Better to tip little and often, and to make sure that everyone involved in whatever service you have received gets some of the tip. Lodges: Most lodges suggest a collective tip when checking out that will be distributed fairly amongst all of the staff. Suggested amount is US$5 per guest per night. One-off Tips: If people wish to tip a particular person for a one-off event (e.g. porter, local guide), anything from MK100 to MK500 is suggested. Restaurants: 5-10% of the bill Driver: around $20 total Please remember these are just guidelines and not compulsory.

3 Wildlife Viewing Always take advice from your expert guide on appropriate behaviour, and note that their decision on safari activity is final. Please note is against park regulations for drivers to journey of the designated paths, please do not ask him to do so. Keep your distance from wildlife and act quietly and responsibly around wild animals. Do not attempt to feed or touch them. Safety The region is safe for travellers and the people are generally very friendly and welcoming as they rely heavily on tourism for foreign revenue; However, all countries in the world have a degree of crime and it is always better to be cautious. Avoid walking around towns and cities after dark, and during the day make sure that you do not display your camera, money belt and day-bag obviously. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle if you can help it, and keep luggage as hidden as possible. Of course, it is also especially important to be aware of wild animals at night. It is worth remembering that you will be carrying clothes, camera equipment and luggage that would cost most people in Southern Africa several years wages to purchase. Hence, it is best not to tempt people who may not have very much. When you are travelling, never leave your luggage unattended. Store valuables in your hotel s safety deposit boxes when available, otherwise we strongly recommend keeping valuables with you. Keep your room locked at all times.

4 Responsible Tourism - Enriching the Experience Before you travel, try to read up as much as you can on your destination, local customs and cultures, history and appropriate dress. A few words of the local language, especially greetings, will go a long way towards breaking the ice. Dispose of as much excess packaging as you can before you leave home. Recycling and waste collection is not as well regulated and is more difficult to organise in Southern Africa. If you have space then a few gifts will always be very welcome. Good things to bring include clothes or shoes, toys, books written in English or crayons & colouring books. This will be particularly welcome if you plan to visit a local village as part of your trip. Arrive with a wide open mind and plenty of humour, African life works at a different pace to western countries so bear this in mind and enjoy the diversity. Most lodges have top boxes which are split between the whole staff but usually exclude guides. Rather than giving money to beggars, make a point of donating to a local charity which supports orphaned children or social support schemes. Alternatively you could buy local newspapers or the Big Issue magazine from street vendors, or generously support car guards who look after your vehicle on the street for you. If people make more money by begging than working for a living the local economy can suffer, and giving money to children this way can discourage their parents from sending them to school. Children in more remote areas will often show an interest in your camera, you may like to sit and show them how it works, they love to see digital photos of themselves. Buy curios from street vendors or craft shops that obviously support local artists. Barter with humour and bear in mind the amount of time and skill that went into making these items. Do not buy curios made from endangered hardwoods or animal products. Comply with lodge environmental policy, try to re-use your towels and switch off any lights, TVs air conditioning or fans not in use. Please ask permission before you take anyone s photograph, and check with your guide if in doubt about any aspect of behaviour that may be considered disrespectful. If you experience guides or tourists obviously acting against the bush code please report them to your lodge. If you smoke please be very careful to dispose of your butts back at the lodges:- bush fires can be devastating. Adhere to your guides requests as to when and where you can smoke.

How much to convert Money The official currency in Zambia is Zambian Kwacha (ZKW). Park fees and visas are to be paid in USD so be sure to bring US Dollar.

5 How much to convert Money The official currency in Zambia is Zambian Kwacha (ZKW). Park fees and visas are to be paid in USD so be sure to bring US Dollar. Most residents here will gladly accept USD as a form of currency. We do not advise clients to take foreign currency to Zambia. Credit and debit card facilities are rarely available. ATM machines are intermittently available but not 100% reliable. Please also be aware that many ATMs have a withdrawal limit of MKW 80,000 every 24 hours. We advise our clients to let their credit card company know the dates that they will be travelling and the countries you will be visiting so that they do not block your card when you try to make purchases in Africa. It is also worth double checking your daily/monthly limit! US Dollar Single Entry Visa 50 National Park Entry Fee International 25 National Park Entry Fee SADC 20 Extra Game drives 40 Soft drinks 2 Beer 2 Water 1

6 What to Bring Passport Yellow fever certificate $50 for Zambian Visa Cash in USD Day pack Binoculars Camera High factor sun cream Sunhat Mosquito and insect repellent Anti Malaria pills Torch Swimming gear Music player, reading material Closed walking shoes Clothing: Lightweight clothing is recommended for the day but at night temperatures can be very cool, especially in the winter months so we recommend packing warmer, covered clothing. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing. Women are advised to wear clothing that is not too revealing and dresses etc. that are to the knee or below. A basic first aid kit: Re-hydrate salt sachets Diarrhoea tablets Antihistamine cream Plasters Antibiotic ointment.

Contact information Email: info@malawianstyle.

7 Contact information Office Tel: +265 (0) Skype: Malawianstyle Emergency Contact Numbers: Eddie (Senior Guide) +265 (0) Hastings (Senior Guide) (0) Mike (Managing Founder) +265 (0) If you have any queries whilst in Zambia, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Postal Address: Malawian Style P.O. Box 266 Lilongwe Malawi. Office Address: No. 18 Golden Peacock Complex Lilongwe Malawi Our office hours: Mon Thurs: 08:00-17: 00 Friday: 8:00-16: 00

Facts for Guests 2018/2019

Facts for Guests 2018/2019 packing tips Good quality sunglasses preferably polarised & Sun hat Long sleeved tops and trousers for the evenings Good walking shoes and sandals Walks at the Falls and on the